Frank Lampard meets Manchester United Sir Jim Ratcliffe as change approach
Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly been meeting with various managers as he seeks to steer the club away from the direction it took under the Glazer family’s reign. The co-founder of INEOS has been proactive since his investment in the club, which also gave him total control over football operations.
Since his £1.3 billion investment was confirmed in February, Ratcliffe has instigated significant changes off the pitch. Richard Arnold and John Murtough, two key figures during United’s recent period of mediocrity, have both left the club as part of a structural overhaul.
Ratcliffe has replaced them with individuals he considers to be industry leaders. Omar Berrada will join from Manchester City as chief executive this summer, while Dan Ashworth is set to become sporting director once Newcastle United agree to let him complete the move.
Jason Wilcox is expected to become United’s new technical director in the coming weeks after resigning from his role as Southampton’s sporting director. Darren Fletcher will also be given a new title.
In his quest for top-tier operations at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe is reportedly actively seeking advice and insight from experienced football figures, something the Glazers were criticised for neglecting, reports the Express. The Athletic reports that the 71-year-old has been rubbing shoulders with several football managers including since taking the reins at United.
A select few were present at a Grenadier launch event in London in February. The car’s launch night, a product of INEOS, saw the likes of former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, ex-England boss Roy Hodgson and Brentford’s Thomas Frank in attendance, among others.
Lampard, 45, managed Chelsea for 18 months after being appointed in July 2019 before returning in an short interim role last year. The legendary midfielder made almost 650 appearances for the club, scoring 211 goals.
Ratcliffe also shared a group dinner with these footballing figures, as he continues to deepen his understanding of top-tier English football in a bid to turn United’s fortunes around. Sir Dave Brailsford is Ratcliffe’s closest ally within their project at Old Trafford, and he has been a regular fixture at Carrington this year, marking a welcome departure from the Glazers’ habits.
He is currently conducting a comprehensive review of United’s operations and providing feedback to Ratcliffe and the club’s hierarchy so that necessary changes can be implemented. Prior to the arrivals of Berrada, Wilcox and Ashworth, Brailsford will oversee an interim team of decision-makers following Murtough’s exit this week.
Included in this team are director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves, deputy football director Andy O’Boyle, and director of football operations David Harrison. But Ratcliffe isn’t just sitting back – he’s actively engaging with figures like Lampard and Hodgson, who bring a wealth of experience from the Premier League and international stage.
